Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

Work Related Upper Limb Disorders 
(WRULDs)
WRULDs describe a group of illnesses which can affect 
the neck, shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, hands and fi n-
gers. 
Tenosynovitis
(affecting the tendons), 
carpal tun-
nel syndrome
(affecting the tendons which pass through 
the carpal bone in the hand) and 
frozen shoulder
are all 
examples of WRULDs which differ in the manifestation 
and site of the illness. The term 
repetitive strain injury 
(RSI)
is commonly used to describe WRULDs.
WRULDs are caused by repetitive movements of the 
fi ngers, hands or arms which involve pulling, pushing, 
reaching, twisting, lifting, squeezing or hammering. These 
disorders can occur to workers in offi ces as well as in 
factories or on construction sites. Typical occupational 
groups at risk include painters and decorators, riveters 
and pneumatic drill operators and desk top computer 
users.
The main symptoms of WRULDs are aching pain to 
the back, neck and shoulders, swollen joints and muscle 
fatigue accompanied by tingling, soft tissue swelling, 
similar to bruising, and a restriction in joint movement. 
The sense of touch and movement of fi ngers may be 
affected. The condition is normally a chronic one in 
that it gets worse with time and may lead eventually 
to permanent damage. The injury occurs to muscle, 
tendons and/or nerves. If the injury is allowed to heal 
before being exposed to the repetitive work again, no 
long-term damage should result. However, if the work 
is repeated again and again, healing cannot take place 
and permanent damage can result leading to a restricted 
blood fl ow to the arms, hands and fi ngers.
Figure 15.1
Workstation ergonomic design improvements.

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